Biodiversity & Habitat Management Officer

Our Client, A Large Public Sector Organisation based in Coleraine require a Biodiversity & Habitat Management Officer to join their team.

Role : Biodiversity & Habitat Management Officer

Location : Coleraine

Hours of work : 37 hrs

Hourly Rate : £17.64 pre AWR £19.35 post AWR

Main Purpose of Post

• Working within the Coast and Countryside Team of the Tourism and Recreation Service (Leisure and Development Directorate), this post will deliver on the biodiversity and habitat remit in line with the Council's corporate objectives, the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), Biodiversity Implementation Plan (BIP) and the Destination Management plan.
• To play a key advisory role to ensure compliance with the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in relation to Council functions and proposed capital projects, ensuring Council fulfil its biodiversity duty.
• nder the direction of the Coast and Countryside Manager, co-ordinate the delivery of Councils statutory biodiversity duty in accordance with the Wildlife And Natural Environment Act NI 2011 ensure Council fulfils its biodiversity duty.
• Advise Council of any changes in all relevant legislation and develop appropriate working practices to ensure Council continues to fulfil any statutory duty. Liaise with external statutory organisations and input into relevant external consultations as required.
• Ensure that the department complies with all statutory and legislative requirements by adhering to these requirements and working in accordance with good governance and health and safety requirements.
• Ensure that all responsibilities are carried out in a timely and effective manner and that general confidentiality is maintained in all areas relating to the work of the Council.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the delivery of the NI Biodiversity Strategy including continued implementation and review of the LBAP and its associated Habitat and Species Action Plans (HAPs and SAPs).
• Co-ordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of Council BIP (Biodiversity Implementation Plan)
• With input from the Coast and Countryside Manager, develop and maintain the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) network, to ensure participation across the whole Council area contributing to the Destination Management model through task and finish groups.
• Identify, develop and manage new sites as biodiversity parks/spaces to raise awareness of the value of such sites and contribute to the visitor experience.
• Co-ordinate, develop and deliver a range of biodiversity projects and events to raise awareness of the Borough's biodiversity and habitat to provide enhanced visitor experience. Promote such events in consultation with Councils PR Department.
• Contribute to the development of beach management plans as part of the wider Coast and Countryside Service.
• Provide advice on the management of Invasive Alien Species both within Council and to members of the public when required. Contribute to the development and delivery of an 'Invasive Alien Species Strategy' for the Council which collates existing information on the extent of Invasive Alien Species. Contribute to the development and implementation of the management programme for the Council estate in accordance with the Wildlife And Natural Environment Act NI 2011.
• Provide advice and assist with management of trees and woodland within Council's estate.
• Provide advice and support with respect to Council planning applications, completion of Habitat Regulations Assessments (HRAs) for Council projects where relevant. Including carrying out stage 1 assessment where appropriate.
• Prepare and submit assent and consent applications for work to be undertaken on designated sites managed by Council.
• In agreement with The Coast and Countryside Manager be responsible for the procurement of services, materials and equipment to ensure the delivery of Biodiversity and Habitat projects.
• In conjunction with Council's Funding Unit make application for external funding from any appropriate sources to deliver biodiversity projects, including those which deliver actions for; the Biodiversity Implementation Plan (BIP), Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), Northern Ireland priority habitat and species action plans, and other projects.
• Establish effective financial reporting, assessment and record keeping arrangements to ensure full compliance with all financial and audit requirements within Council policy and procedure, to monitor and profile expenditure and comply with conditions when making claims and payments from external funders.
• With input from the Coast and Countryside Manager, co-ordinate, develop and deliver biodiversity projects, and make recommendations for appointment of contractors and consultants where appropriate. Attend site and progress meetings to ensure project delivery, budget control and conditions of funding are being met.
• Where necessary manage projects within the allocated budget and undertake post project monitoring and evaluation.
• Assist the Coast and Countryside Manager with the development of business and service plans relevant to the service remit.
• Prepare reports and presentations for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
• Participate in landscape-scale biodiversity conservation projects in partnership with other stakeholders.
• Use presentation skills, training and other technologies to raise awareness of biodiversity within Council and among members of the public. Represent Council in and contribute to relevant external activities.
• Where appropriate promote Council's Biodiversity achievements and undertake all duties in such a manner so as to protect and enhance the reputation and public profile of the Council.
• Identify opportunities for Council to work more sustainably and develop/implement sustainability projects in relation to biodiversity. Provide input into sustainable development strategies; advise, assist and contribute to their implementation.
• Undertaking all relevant training and development so that the role of the post is delivered effectively, and to ensure that the Council provides an effective and efficient service to ratepayers and customers.

• If you are interested and meet all the Criteria please apply via the link.